The purpose of quarantine is to prevent community spread of coronavirus in the country. However, Health Minister Dechen Wangmo said, despite repeated reminders, those in quarantine centres still violate quarantine facility protocols and do not adhere to the dos and don’ts.
Lyonpo said, if people in quarantine facilities are mindful of the risks, the local transmission will not be a concern.
Lyonpo shared regardless of reminders, people are still exchanging things and sharing meals within the quarantine facilities which is risky.
“When a person is in a quarantine facility, it’s important that they follow certain protocols like they are not supposed to meet or exchange meals or any other things and come out from one’s own room. We have been making it clear to those in quarantine from the day they are placed in the centres and reminded every morning. And because of such practices, it becomes very difficult when a person in the quarantine centre is tested positive,” Lyonpo said.
The Health Minister clarified that the recent increasing positive cases are from the quarantine centres and not from the community. That’s why the initiative of keeping people in quarantine is a significant measure to keep local transmission at bay.
“If we had not kept the recent 14 positive cases in the quarantine centres, it would have been disastrous. For instance, for the virus to spread in Bumthang Dzongkhag, we just need 13 positive cases. And within just five days, these 13 people will easily spread the virus to the whole community in Bumthang district. That’s why those who are in the quarantine centres need to follow the rules and do not breach it, this is the time to serve the country. If people in quarantine are mindful of the risks the virus carries and adhere to the rules during quarantine, the local transmission will not be a concern,” Lyonpo added.
In addition, the ministry has started the second level of surveillance for those completing 21-day quarantine.
Health Minister Dechen Wangmo says the second level of surveillance will focus on those people whose roommates in quarantine facilities are diagnosed with the virus. The ministry follows up with them and asks about their health every day for at least a week. “And for those who have completed the 21-day quarantine, we requested them to at least refrain from going out and meeting people for at least a week and stay at home. But there aren’t many who have been adhering to this. It has come to the notice that the moment their quarantine period is over, they party and meet people. And this is where the risk is,” Lyonpo added.
Lyonpo further added that since many people are now coming from high-risk areas, it’s important that those in quarantine follow the protocols. Currently, there are 1,061 people in 49 quarantine facilities in the country.
Sonam Pem
